As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, political tensions are reaching new heights, with aspirants from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Labour Party (LP) engaging in intense maneuvers to secure their respective party tickets.
After power plays and high-wired intrigues during party primaries, Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged as the APC standard flagbearer, Dr. Asuen Ighodalo secured the PDP ticket, and Olumide Akpata claimed the LP candidacy. However, controversies and challenges surround these selections.
In the APC, Dennis Idahosa, backed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, contested Okpebholo’s victory, alleging irregularities. Okpebholo’s emergence was facilitated by the last-minute support from key figures like Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Chief Lucky Imansuen, leading to a divisive political landscape in Edo South.
While Idahosa contemplates legal action, some see Okpebholo as a pawn in the power struggle between Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu. Okpebholo, backed by the late Chief Tony Anenih’s political influence, garnered support from the state and National Working Committee, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and northern governors within the APC.
The LP primaries saw Olumide Akpata emerge as the candidate, facing challenges and accusations of being sponsored by Governor Godwin Obaseki. Despite concerns from party members, Akpata’s victory was marked by accusations of a ‘coup’ against the democratic process.
In the PDP, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ally, Asuen Ighodalo, secured the ticket amid a parallel claim by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu. Disputes over delegates’ accreditation and authenticity of the party’s list fueled tensions, resulting in protests and security concerns.
Despite protests, Ighodalo received the PDP’s Certificate of Returns, pledging to transform Edo State if elected. The complex dynamics and controversies surrounding candidate selections set the stage for a highly competitive and contentious governorship election in September.
